Down bassist to undergo surgery

Rex Brown of the band DOWN will not be rejoining the band on their current North American tour as he had planned. Brown has been on sabbatical from the group tending to personal matters. During Down's most recent European tour, Rex began experiencing pain and discomfort in his abdomen. It's been a recurring pain over the last five years that had never been properly diagnosed. This time he became more concerned and upon his return to the US, Rex immediately sought out some of the best doctors for a diagnosis. It wasn't long before Rex was made aware of a medical issue affecting him called acute pancreatitis - and yesterday he was made aware of some issues with his gall bladder.

These ailments will need Rex's immediate attention, and he has scheduled surgery for gall bladder removal and to remove polyps on his pancreas. The procedure is planned for later this week and will likely sideline him approximately five weeks. A full and healthy recovery is expected.

As a result of all this unplanned activity, Brown has suspended his planned return to action with Down for the remainder of the tour. The tour will continue without Brown's participation.

Down is in the midst of a US tour with THE MELVINS, and will be on the road until September 28th in Louisville, KY.

Said Brown about this unplanned detour, "I miss being with my brothers on tour but we're all cool with the fact that I need to take care of myself at this time. I miss them, the music and of course you the fans. But most importantly, I look forward to getting back into the studio with Down when I'm 100% healthy. Thank you all so much for your support."